Expert: Mike Evans - 6/15/2009

Question
My multifunctional steering wheel is not operating the radio as should be, the horn is also out of action. I suspect that there might be a fault in the split ring as I have checked all the fuses and they are ok . Is there any way of finding out if the split ring is faulty before I buy another one. I would appreciate your help if possible many thanks. Please forward back response ASAP

Thank-you

Mr E Mincher

Answer
    These rings are not unlike the armature on an electric motor, and the same thing can go wrong with them.  The gap between the segments can become bridged by the microscopic metal shavings that gradually accumulate in the space between the segments.  I would be tempted to remove the steering wheel and examine the assembly for this fault.  I don't see any way around doing this without removing the wheel, but doing so is not as simple as it once was, because of the airbag.  Personally, I would go ahead and commit to replacing the assembly when the wheel is off.  That way you won't have to do the thing twice; and you are probably going to want to get a pro to do it so that you won't have to fool with the airbag.  If the assembly is OK, and something else is wrong (although I don't know what it could be, other than that there is something wrong with the radio itself) you can save the old assembly as a spare.